At our family clinic we focus on excellence, integrity, and quality health care!
Your quality of life doesn’t have to suffer!
The doctors at First Physicians are experts when it comes to managing chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure. First Physicians has 5 convenient locations throughout Odessa to serve our patients: Wendover Family Medicine, Westview Medical Clinic, East University Family Medicine, Women’s Health, and Occupational Medical Testing.
If you’re dealing with one or more chronic illnesses and need some help managing them, call First Physicians for an appointment how to overcome love addiction.
Chronic Disease Q&A
Q: What is a chronic disease or condition?
A: Most experts agree that a disease or condition is considered chronic when it has been present for at least three months. Some diseases, such as asthma, cancer, and diabetes, can affect people at any age, but with advancing age comes an increased risk of developing a chronic disease.
Q: What types of diseases are considered chronic?
A: Diseases such as arthritis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, type 1 diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and some ongoing mental disorders are illnesses that are considered chronic.
Q: Is there anything I can do to reduce my risk of developing a chronic disease?
A: Some chronic diseases develop due to genetic risk factors. Others are at least partially caused by lifestyle choices. While you can’t do much about your genes or family medical history, it’s helpful to know which lifestyle choices raise your risk for developing a chronic illness. They are the following:
- Tobacco smoking
- Secondhand exposure to tobacco smoke
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Diet high in saturated fat
- Diet high in salt
- Diet lacking in fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and lean proteins
- Obesity
For example, smoking damages the lungs and arteries, raising your risk of developing several types of cancer, including lung cancer. It also increases your risk of developing both COPD and cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke. It can also damage the arteries in the kidneys, which raises your risk of chronic kidney disease.
Q: How can the doctors at First Physicians treat my chronic disease?
A: The doctors at First Physicians are very experienced when it comes to treating chronic diseases and will do the following:
- Discuss both your personal and family medical histories
- Discuss your diet and how it can be improved upon to better your condition
- Talk about the right fitness level and amount of exercise for you
- Assess current medications and their effectiveness to make any necessary changes
- Examine emotional health to determine if anxiety or depression symptoms are present
- Discuss weight loss and weight management if needed